Children aged between five and 11 will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination from January 10.
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Acting premier Jacinta Allan announced on Wednesday morning that bookings at state-run vaccination clinics for children aged five to 11 will open from 1pm today (January 5).
Ms Allan said the 18 state-run vaccination centres offering child vaccinations online or through the coronavirus hotline.
"It is a way of, not only, supporting protection for our youngest Victorians but also elderly relatives and families members as well as getting kids ready for school in a few weeks time.
"From the moment a child is born, vaccines are a way of life for young children. There is things like the (hepatitus B) vaccine given young babies (to protect against) things like whooping cough, polio and tetanus and a vaccine program in the early years of childhood.
"Victoria has highest rates of child vaccination anywhere in the world and I am confident parents will step forward with young children to give extra protect the vaccine can provide from next week."
To encourage families and make the vaccination process a more enjoyable experience, Victoria's state-run clinic will feature an Australian-themed 'forest of protection' motif.
The forest-themed sites will be located at Melton, Campbellfield, Cranbourne, Sandown, Frankston, Geelong, Shepparton and Traralgon.
"By getting your child vaccinated, you are providing them with direct protection against COVID-19 and reducing the risk of transmission to loved ones and in schools," Ms Allan said.
"We want to create a vaccination experience that is positive for the whole family - the forest themed hubs have been designed to provide a welcoming and accessible experience for children of all backgrounds and abilities."
An immunisation plan has been developed by the Department of Health and The Royal Children's Hospital as a resource for guardians to help decide where and how to book based on their child's needs.
Royal Children's Hospital chief of medicine Tom Connell said it was natural that parents would have a lot of questions about getting the paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for their children.
"As parents, we all want what's best for our children and there is great resources out there for families," he said. "Omicron has been somewhat of a game changer and it is now imperative to protect extend family units.
"We have seen children aged 12 to 16 take the vaccine in record number and I have no reason to feel it will be different for children aged five to 11."
Dr Connell said the child-based vaccine is a weaker dose that what is given to people aged over 12.
"The dose of vaccine for five to 11-year-olds is one third that of the vaccine for 12 plus," he said. "It is specifically tailored for younger children who will have two doses eight weeks apart. That (time) may be reduced if required to do so.
"The vaccination is safe. ATAGI have reviewed, in detail, the clinical and safety data. The vaccine works in children aged five to 11. Studies of the original vaccine trial show it is 91 per cent effective at reducing lab-confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 in children."
For more information and to book your children's first dose visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine
Bookings can also be made via the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or via your local pharmacy or GP.
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